They were married at the Ram Mandir in Mississauga.   The light flowing into the room was magnificent.   The wedding mandap was magnificent, Selena, you were positively radiant.   James looked pretty dapper too!

Here are some of my favourites from their day.

Congratulations again Selena & James!

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there may or may not have been some peanut butter involved here I’m not telling! lol

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Jen chose such a beautiful dress for her destination wedding in Cuba.  It was fun, flirty, twirlled beautifully and she danced on the beach until the wee hours!!

The many faces of a bride getting ready!

Jen & her beautiful mum Joanne.  *So* much love, as she helped her only girl of five kids getting ready to be wed!

Jen & Craig chose to do a first look which was great for their nerves as well as we had lots of time after to go do some pics with one of the old vintage cars they have everywhere in Cuba!

we had *no* fun that day at all!

And before long it was time to go get married.  The Laguna Azul has this beautiful covered area out of the direct heat with such a gorgeous view of the ocean. Breathtaking!

After the ceremony everyone busted out cigars… hey when in Cuba….

Jen & Craig had rented a gorgeous 1958 Chevy convertible to drive us off the resort over to the “mansion” so we could do some more photos with the old car and the really unique building.

I really couldn’t have been any happier!! Old cars are great wedding props!!

I love both of these photos below.

In the first, symmetry makes me very happy

In the second, it’s a little gusty near the ocean, we had a Marilyn moment.  Jen you are stunning!  Craig you are a blessed man!

They had a lovely reception waiting for us after the photos, down near the beach under the Palapas

Please note the incredibly adorable custom made bobble head cake toppers Jen & Craig had made to match them and what they wore identically. SO cool!

Immediately following the dinner we all headed to the beach for the dance party.  Craig’s dad & brother got their instruments and had the best beach party wedding reception.

I think this is the most photos I have shown from a wedding!  And it was hard to cull it down.

Jen & Craig I adore you both and wish you a lifetime of dancing & laughing and loving.

bless you guys!

patti

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Phil & Sarah chose to do a first look where they saw each other before the ceremony.  I love when couples choose to do this for so many reasons.  In the winter months it works out well because the sun sets so early and good photos are made with good light.  It also allows them to enjoy the cocktail hour after the ceremony with all of their family and friends!  Win win!

We arranged for Sarah to be waiting in the hall when Phil got off the elevator.  His expression says it all!

As it was so cold outside we stayed inside the hotel for photos.  I really wanted to complement Sarah’s vintage styling.

Soon after we arrived at La Maquette where Sarah & Phil’s friends and family joined them to celebrate their marriage.

Dear Sarah & Phil, I enjoyed capturing memories from your day so very much and I hope you treasure them always.

blessings!
patti

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When I was recently away in Cuba, I was very excited to take a one day excursion to the intoxicating city of Havana.   I must admit I didn’t know much about the city before I set off on that bus ride, other than: old cars; everywhere!!!   I learned about the people and how old the city was, and about cigars and about Che Guevara and how important this Argentinian man is to Cuba.  I was a sponge and just absorbed all the info our tour guide delivered.   We went to the old and new parts of Havana(the new part is still over a few hundred years old).  I shot from the hip for most of the photos with people in them.  Just wanted them to remain unaware and go about their regular lives.  I love my job and what I get to capture, but I loved being able to use my camera to selfishly capture how I will always remember Havana.

I have to tell you the story about the street performer above.  I joined the crowd and wondered what was goign on and saw this guy laying on a real bench with his head on a real statue’s lap.  I crept up to the front to get a shot, but went and threw a peso in his jar first and grabbed acouple and then got out of the way.  He quickly shot up and found me in a crowd of 50+ people.  He stood up and drew his fake gun and pointed it at me…. so I picked up my camera and shot him too!   He was right into it, and so was I for that matter!  He slowly backed up into the position I caught him in above and continued to give me the ol stink eye… was so much fun I got so many brilliantly animated shots and had to leave before my tour group wandered off without me.  SO fun!

This last shot is probably one of my favourites, and one of the last ones taken that day in Havana.  We were in the market area wandering and I didn’t even change my settings.  I liked the shape of the door and hoped it would silhouette for me… it was better than I hoped!

I wish I had thought to do more video, just didn’t think about it until the end.  Here are 2 little clips I took from one of the rest stops the bus took us to.  It was a Pina Colada hut… so much life and joy, the second clip shows the bus drivers grooving… everyone is so happy, all the time!

Last year I learned about another photographer named Vivian Maier Some guys found her old negs and slides and took some time to learn about her life.  I was fascinated by the story her photos told about her, and I can only hope mine may do the same one day about me.

buenos noches!

cheers

p.

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SO we started with Craig & his groomsmen.  The resort where we stayed had beautiful floor to ceiling 15foot wide windows… made for gorgeous streaming light into the room! 

Craig’s brother Dave, ensuring the wedding day hair was just right!

Anyone who has seen my work before, knows I have an affinity for reflections.  I love this one of Craig as he was getting ready.

After the guys getting ready I went over to the suite where the ladies were getting ready.  SO much fun, love & laughter!

Isn’t Jen so beautiful… naturally inside and out.

I need to talk about the shoes.   Are they not smokin’ hot?   *love* the shoes!  Jen wore the same style as the other beautiful ladies in her bridal party.  SO gorgeous!

I love this shot of Jen’s mom Joanne giving her a hug after helping Jen get ready.  *melt*

So happy!

I love this photo of Robyn & Jen, I photographed Robyn & Kevin’s wedding last May!

Please stay tuned for the next installment!!   Much mroe to come… Jen & Craig’s first look, ceremony and romantic shots.  OH and they rented one of the stunning old cars & a driver for some photos too…

1958 Chevy…

And a little fun with the wind… the water really was that colour! amazing!

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I am also enjoying this super mild winter so far!  I should watch what I say, it will probably start snowing within the hour!

I have been enjoying meeting new clients already this January and making plans for engagement sessions this year.  One topic of conversation that always comes up is “what should we wear for our engagement session?”

I always suggest that she find something she feels beautiful in, and then work on his clothes around yours. 

You do not need to wear matchy matchy outfits… who dresses like that anyway?  BUT  something that will work well together is always a good choice.

I have a board on Pinterest with lots of ideas on stylish clothing choices and colours that look great together if you need a little bit more inspiration

check it out!    Patti’s Pinterest 

and a blog post wouldn’t be as much fun without some photos.  Just quickly grabbed a couple of engagement session photos to show what I mean how they complemented each other without overpowering yet still lots of personal style! 

I can’t wait for my first esession of the year booked for February!  We just  need a little snow!

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A quick sneak peak of a couple of my immediate favourites!  Full blog  post still to come!  Huge congrats to Amanda & James!!

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I have had such a wonderful year and so many beautiful brides & charming grooms, hilarious family members and the odd off the wall limo driver!(megan & julia you know what I mean!)   I have been so blessed to have witnessed 37 unique and charming wedding ceremonies capturing memories of their special days for generations to come.   I truly love what I do and consider it not only an honour but a privilige to make these photographs for my wonderful clients.   I thank you for this opportunity.

In years past I have commemorated the year by creating a slideshow of favourite images which was fun, but I thought I would mix things up a bit and make it into a contest! 

yes you heard right… a contest right here on my blog!

 the prize… a 16×20 canvas for my 2011 wedding client who has the most votes in the comment section here on my blog only! 

Facebook biz page votes DO NOT count.  Please scroll down to the bottom  here on my blog and vote in the comment section by naming the number and/or name of couple that you would like to win!  If you have not posted on my blog yet it will not show up until I approve it, but I promise I will do so lickity split!     I also am going to give away an itunes gift card randomly to someone who votes in the comments section… so there is lots of incentive!!

I have a slight addiction to photographs printed on canvas, I have them through out my home, and I would love to gift one to one of my very special couples.(this prize has no cash value and you can not trade it for something else, sorry).

Anyone is welcome to vote, random friend, family or bride & groom themselves!!

Ok let’s start it out in order beginning in January 2011!

1. Christa & Gilberto | Wedding & Reception at Spencers at the Waterfront

Christa & Gilberto were my first couple to have their entire romantic photo session done in ice skates in chilly January weather!  It was so much fun to try something so out of the box and capture their love as they skated along!  Spencers was such a beautiful location for their candlelit ceremony and winter wonderland reception.

2. Eleanor & Chris | Wedding at:  St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church  Reception at: The  Harbour Banquet Centre

Chris & Eleanor were so brave to brace the Ontario winter elements for a very quick photo session outside.  Nothing could wipe the smiles off their faces, not even -14C temps!

3. Erin & Dan | Wedding at Waterloo North Mennonite Church  and Reception at: Encore Restaurant in Waterloo

I had hoped beyond hope that we would have snow falling on Erin & Dan’s wedding day.  With her jet black hair and bit fluffy snow flakes I can not think of anything more romantic.  Waterloo, thank you for cooperating and snowing for us right on cue!  It was a beautiful winter wonderland wedding and we even snuck outside during the reception to capture some evening snow & lights shots.

4. Becky & Elton | Wedding & Reception at Liuna Station

I was so happy to have one last snowfall(not something I say often) the day before Natalie & Sean’s big day.  I think the snow adds such an element of romance, especially with the beautiful grounds of the Scottish Rite Club.   Natalie and Sean added in the photobooth madness for their reception and we had so much fun as always!!

6. Sarah & Peter | Ceremony & Reception at Art Gallery Of Hamilton

We met Peter for a “first look” (an opportunity for the bride & groom to see each other before the wedding so they can do their photos before the ceremony and so they can enjoy the cocktail hour with them guests), outside of the Hamilton city Hall.  I was quite taken with the geometric shapes and the beautiful sunshine.  Both Peter & Sarah are very creatively minded people and I love that they chose this location for their photos.

7. Janelle & Michael | Ceremony: St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Reception: Geraldos at La Salle Park

Janelle & Mike had booked the RBG Greenhouse so that we could do their wedding photos inside where it was warm and pretty as April is pretty unpredictable for weather!  I think they made a gorgeous choice!

8. Karen & Bryan | Wedding & Reception at the historic Palais Royale

Karen & Bryan also were married in the unpredictable month of April, and the sun graced them with it’s presence and gave us a gorgeous 14C day and allowed them to have their ceremony outside over looking the beautiful sailboats floating by on Lake Ontario.   I love the expression of pure delight as Bryan placed Karen’s ring on her finger.

9.  John & Irene | Ceremony & Reception: Spencer’s at the Waterfront

I love photographing wedding ceremonies at the beautiful Spencer’s Observatory because it has HUGE floor to ceiling windows!  Every photographers dream location!   John & Irene’s guests were so enthusiastic about their marriage they were clapping, whistling & cheering as they walked back down the aisle again.

10. Barb & Ron | Ceremony & Reception at The Old Mill & Spa in Toronto

I had the absolute honour and priviledge to be the 6th person in attendance at Barb & Ron’s wedding.  This was my first elopement ceremony I had been invited to photograph.  They invited their best friends who also were their Best Man & Maid of Honour, and the minister officiating, and me capturing it all quietly where you usually find guests sitting.  

11. Carrie & Jason | Ceremony & Reception:  The Pillar & Post  

Carrie & Jason’s wedding was truly the blending of their families and a beautiful union of their hearts.   We took the shuttle over to the Queen’s Landing Hotel for some photos and back to the Pillar & Post for their reception.  I love the expression on Carrie’s face as she dances with her new husband.

12. Lindsay & James | Ceremony & Reception: Art Gallery of Hamilton

I especially love when my clients choose to do an engagement session prior to their wedding.  It gives me a chance to get to know them a bit in a more casual setting, and understand better what they are hoping for photography wise for their wedding day.  With Lindsay & James I learned so much about them and just how perfectly matched they are for each other.   We started their wedding day photos at McMaster University were their love began.

You can also see their wedding featured in Hamilton & Halton Weddings Magazine

13. Ninette & Steve | Ceremony & Reception at Paletta Mansion

Ninetta & Steve celebrated their wedding day at the beautiful Paletta Mansion in Burlington, right on the edge of Lake Ontario.  With their closest family & friends around them, it was such a special day for them.  Both Ninette & Steve are dance instructors and had a dancing theme throughout their wedding.  My favourite part at the reception(and I have never seen this before, and I have been to a few weddings!) was each of the tables where the guests were seated had a name of a dance, and in order to get the bride & groom to kiss they needed to perform that style of dance!  It helped that most of the friends present also were dancers! 

14. Robyn & Kevin | Ceremony & Reception: Rattlesnake Point Golf & Country Club

I always love photographing weddings at Golf & Country Clubs, and had not been to the Rattlesnake Point Golf & Country Club until Robyn & Kevin’s wedding.  The grounds were impeccably kept and the staff were ever present and helpful for anything Robyn & Kevin needed.  Especially fun giving us some golf carts to scoot around the grounds for our photos.    Robyn & Kevin went with soft grey colour for the men’s tux’s and not only was it unique and uncommon but really stood out well for their photos!  Robyn & Kevin’s Guests danced the night away, and also enjoyed making some fun photos with the photobooth Madness!  I am looking forward to seeing R&K in again soon at Kevin’s sister Jen (&Craig’s) destination wedding!

15. Brittany & Ezra | Ceremony: Ebenezer Free Reformed Church  Reception: Ancaster Fairgrounds

I started photographing Ezra with his groomsmen, at his parent’s home as I often do with grooms on their wedding day.  One request Ezra had for photos was for the groomsmen to be photographed on/near some of the John Deere Farm equipment that his family use.  I have to admit it is one of my favourite bridal party shots yet to date!  I will share it in an upcoming blog post soon!   Brittany found us this lovely location of a beautiful horse farm and fields as far as the eye can see. 

16. Ashley & Adam | Ceremony & Reception: Greystone Golf & Country Club  

I think we were all waiting on pins and needles waiting to see if the rain was going to hold off… which it did end up holding off.  This was great so that Ashley & Adam could have their wedding ceremony outside on the beautiful grounds of Greystone’s picturesque setting.   It is one of my favourite courses to photograph weddings at because it is built on the edge of the escarpment and the view overlooking Burlington and Lake Ontario is so breath taking in all seasons.   Ashley & Adam were so amazing to photograph as they went along with all my out of the box ideas and we made some beautiful photos.

17. Megan & Mike | Ceremony: St. Luke’s Anglican Church Reception: Habour Banquet & Conference Centre

Megan & Mike were married on a beautiful Friday afternoon in the oldest church in  Burlington; St. Lukes.  Their wedding also happened to coincide with the Burlington Sound of Music Festival weekend, and I had asked them prior if they would be up for trying something a little different… how about doing a photo up in the Ferris Wheel?  Megan ethusiastically said yes and so we went for it.   I *love* this photograph.

18. Angie & Michael | Ceremony:  St Thomas the Apostle  Reception: Crosswinds Golf & Country Club

Angie & Michael were married at the brand new beautiful St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Waterdown in June.  I got the opportunity to work at another golf course, and always trying to use the grounds differently.  Long grasses are always a favourite of mine, and the perfect location to show up the exquisite details of Angie’s gown.

19. Ainsley & Chad | Ceremony & Reception: Groom’s family backyard

Ainsley is a DIY goddess!  She spent countless hours working on all of the fine details of her wedding.  From custom making a hanger for her gown with hers and Chad’s initials bent into the wire frame, to the invitions, guest gifts, and decorations throughout the ceremony & reception area.    Chad and all of his groomsmen were all dressed in shades of teal.  Chad’s infectious laugh kept everyone smiling and laughing along despite it being 40+ degrees celcius!

20. John & Alexandra | Reception:  Burlington Golf & Country Club

John & Alexandra had a beautiful sunny day for their wedding ceremony in Etobicoke, followed by photos at Paletta mansion.  The reception followed immediately after at Burlington Golf & Country club.

21. Erin & Nick | Ceremony: Glad Tidings Church Reception: Otello’s Banquet & Conference Centre

After a beautifully touching ceremony in Burlington, Erin & Nick and their families joined them for photos at Gairloch Gardens for their family, bridal party and romantic photos.  The gardens are delightful to walk through and we took many shots near the water.   Something about these weathered old shed doors spoke to me though.   Erin & Nick you are spectacular together.

22. Heather & Stu | Ceremony & Reception:  Royal Botanical Gardens

   I loved learning about how Heather & Stu met and their “love story” which had brought them to this point.  Truly the stuff out of storybooks!   It was a really really hot July day, and when I jokingly suggested the bridal party hopping into the RBG waterfoutain, they all literally jumped at the chance!  The groomsmen then wanted to take it one step further and took off their trousers(everything was kept PG, they all had shorts on underneath).  Stu & Heather’s wedding created one of my most favourite photobooth madness photos ever!

(I have the best clients ever!)

23. Christine & Ed | Ceremony & Reception: DiNardo’s Mansion

Christine & Ed travelled back to Canada to celebrate their wedding day.  Christine’s family are all here in Canada and Edwards’ all in England.  It was so fantastic to see all the family and friends who joined them from across the pond on their special day. 

24. Candice & Alex | Ceremony & Reception: Paletta Mansion

And they only had eyes for each other!  I don’t think Candice stopped smiling once that day, as you should on your wedding day!  It was the perfect day and everything went as planned.  Paletta is a very popular park area for families and dog walkers… I was so pleased we were able to jump on the trail and not have to share it with anyone.  The green colour makes me crave spring… only a few more months!

25. Katharine & Blair | Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Toronto  Reception: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Toronto

Katharine & Blair chose to see each other before their wedding ceremony so we could do their photos before the ceremony, and so they could enjoy their cocktail hour back at the Ritz-Carlton with their guests after the ceremony.  I love when couples choose to do a first look.  SO many have told me how special of a moment it was for them and how it helped them to relieve a lot of wedding day jitters to see their soon to be spouse.   After Katharine & Blair’s first look we travelled to the University of Toronto for photos among the majestic buildings. 

26. Nina & Marko | Ceremony: All Serbian Saints Orthodox Church  Reception: Habour Banquet & Conference Centre

I love photographing weddings from other cultures and nationalites and learning about their fascinating customs especially upon the occasion of a wedding.  Nina & Marko embraced every aspect of their Serbian wedding from the huge family gathering at Marko’s family home complete with singing accordian player and lots and lots and lots of dancing, to the “buying of the bride” (where the groom and his best man make “offers” to purchase the bride from her family, while her family may play lots of games to dissuade him and have good fun while doing it.   Nina & Marko walked into the church together for their beautiful ornate and rich in custom Orthodox ceremony.  The party continued well into the night back at the Bronte Harbour Banquet Centre in Oakville.

27. Anne & Jeff | Ceremony & Reception: Canadian Forces College

It was so wonderful to finally get to meet Anne & Jeff as they reside in BC, and up until their wedding day had relied on email and phone correspondance.  The day did not start out with blue skies as it looks in this  photo… it was dark and ominous and about 20 minutes before their outdoor ceremony the skies opened up and everyone thought the ceremony would have to be moved indoors… but… it stopped… it cleared, and by the time Anne was walking down the aisle, the sun was out and all was humid and sunny.  The Canadian Forces College was a beautiful location for wedding photos with all the old buildings and airplanes even tanks which made for some unusual photos.

28. Ashley & Bob | Ceremony & Reception:  Royal Botanical Gardens 

Something I always look for are reflections when I am taking photos.  I see them everywhere, and especially love to capture my clients in them.  Bob & Ashley’s reception was held in the RBG’s Atrium which was so big and open and lots of light, was a beautiful spot for their reception and everyone had fun with the photobooth!

29. Terri & Corey | Ceremony & Reception:  Geraldo’s at Lasalle Banquet and Conference Centre

Terry & Corey also chose to do a first look before their ceremony so tht they could enjoy the cocktail reception with their guests.  I always love doing a first look with just the bride and groom as it is so full of emotion, happy and some tears and just rich with all the love they feel for each other.   As Terri was walking towards Corey, I could see her starting to tear up and was trying to fight it.  I being the romantic softy that I am, felt some tears well up too.  Just so happy for these two that they found each other and got to have a second chance at love. 

30.  Michelle & Andrew | Wedding at:  St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church  Reception: Otello’s Banquet & Conference Centre

Andrew & Michelle are two of the most athletic people I have probably ever photographed.  Andrew recently completed his first half ironman and had qualified in top ranking for another one.  Michelle is my inspiration for starting working with weights at the gym(something I had always been intimdated about).   We went to Gairloch Gardensin Oakville on the water.  The light that came in from the west was just spectacular and gave a beautiful rim light around them as we photographed their bride & groom romantic shots.

31. Julia & Steven | Ceremony & Reception: Hernder Estate Winery

I had the pleasure of photographing Julia & Steven in the early months of winter of 2011 for their engagement photos.  It was only fitting that they were done on the ice rink as that is where they had met playing hockey as children!   You can never discount who your paths cross with in life… you may end up marrying them!   Julia & Steven complement each other so well and we had so much fun wandering the vineyard on their beautiful fall wedding day.

32. Mary & Jody | Ceremony & Reception: Harrop Restaurant & Gallery

Mary & Jody said their I do’s on a crisp fall evening with a beautiful intimate group of family and friends surrounding them.   Jody & Mary had all of their photos done before the ceremony with their children.

33.  Sherry & James | Ceremony & Reception;  The Ancaster Old Mill

Sherry got ready at the historic Osler House B&B in Dundas.  It is such a gorgeous building, I love photographing a bride getting ready there! After that we were off to the Ancaster Old Mill for their ceremony, photos and reception.  Sherry & James really wanted to do some images outside at night and I was only too happy to oblige. 

34. Melissa & Shaun | Ceremony & Reception: Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

I have never hid the fact that I love the birdcage veil.  I was thrilled to see Melissa wearing one with her beautiful dress on her wedding day.   As she came down the aisle in the Hamilton yacht club, Shaun’s face lite up like a Christmas tree!  It was so beautiful to see how happy he was to have his soon to be wife walking towards him.   We enjoyed photographing their families on the Yacht Club’s property and even a kind boat owner let us use their boat for a few photos too!

35. Heather & Michael | Ceremony: St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church

Heather & Micheal were truly blessed with one of the nicest days in November for their wedding day!  I couldn’t believe that the sun was shining and that we were able to actually do some photos outside.  Heather had booked the greenhouse in Oakville for some photos as well just in case the weather wasn’t as co-operative so we were able to do some indoors and out!

36. Stefanie & Greg | Ceremony: Walton Memorial Church  Reception: Habour Banquet & Conference Centre

Stefanie & Greg also decided to see each other before their wedding ceremony.  This helped relieve a lot of nerves on both parts and because their ceremony was in December and the sun sets so early, we wanted to make sure we had enough time to make some beautiful photos.   I chose this image because I love the look on Greg’s face as he waits for his bride and I also love the perfect timing of Stefanie coming towards him and catching the reflection(because I love reflections!)

37. Jennifer & Andrew | Ceremony: Marshall Memorial Church  Reception & New Year’s Eve Party: The Ancaster Old Mill

And last but certainly not least was Jennifer & Andrew’s New Year’s Eve wedding and 2011 blow out party which took place at the Ancaster Old Mill last night!   I can not wait to begin editing the photos, especially the ones from the photobooth madness!  Andrew and Jennifer arranged for hellium foil balloons in the shape of “2012″ to be the backdrop for the photobooth. And not small ones either… they were huge and fantastic and everyone had so much fun with the booth and a great way to end such an amazing year! 

SO now that I have done my big countdown, and definitely my longest blog post yet,  I would love to invite you all to vote below in the comments section!   You can write the number and or the name of the couple and if you have a comment I’d love to hear it too! 

 The voting I’ll keep open until mid January I’ll give you a few days notice to when it will be ending and whoever has the most votes will will an 16×20 canvas and one lucky random commenter an itunes gift card! 

Start voting now!

Thanks and Happy New Year!
patti

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And for those who would like to view the rest of the magazine here is the link: http://eedition.hamiltonhaltonweddings.com/doc/hamiltonhaltonweddings/hamilton-halton-weddings-2012/2011121901/#36

Congrats to the other three photographers who also were featured in the real weddings section and a great BIG thanks to Hamilton & Halton weddings!!

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